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From the Pastor
Twenty-five years ago this month, I knelt before Bishop C. Dale White and a host of United Methodist Christians and was ordained into the ministry. [This was the first of two ordinations, the second of which came three years later after the period of probation had ended, a process that has now been changed to one ordination.] I spent my first year in part-time ministry in Neshanic Station as I finished seminary, then 8 years in Ridgefield Park, 8 years in Dumont, and I begin my ninth year here in Whitehouse this July. In every place the people have been caring, hard-working, and eager to serve God. In every place I have learned more than I can measure about the life of discipleship. (At another place and time I will tell you about the second ordination service, which was held in 90 degree weather when I was 7 months pregnant, trying to kneel and rise gracefully…)
A few weeks ago a report came out indicating that, in terms of job-satisfaction, two professions topped the list: clergy and firefighters. (What a fascinating pair… ) While the report drew some conclusions as to why these professions come with such a sense of fulfillment, I have my own. I cannot speak for firefighters, or even for other clergy, but I can say that for me the “job satisfaction” is rooted in how holy life is for us all, and what a joy it is to be one who points out that holiness.
Over the past 25 years, and for many years to come, I have had and will have the distinct privilege of walking with God’s people as we intentionally share a journey of faith. The journey has meant that we collectively live out the “God questions” in seasons of change and challenge, sharing each other’s joys and struggles and seeking to find God’s voice along the way.
For me, this has rarely to do with knowing all the answers to life’s questions, but rather it has to do with earnestly being claimed bythe questions. This has meant preaching the word of grace, baptizing babies, standing at the bedside of the dying, sitting quietly with those who are in a place of spiritual struggle, being invigorated by the collective wisdom of a bible study, having daily interaction with persons of every age, being welcomed as a companion in moments of joy or sorrow, witnessing the incredible use of God-given gifts among the community... From the mundane moments to the profound, God is in our midst. This by its very nature translates into awe and risk and trust and pain and joy. There is holiness all around; I thank you for being sources of its revelation.
As a parish pastor, the rhythm of life can be unusual, and can ask much of family. At every step, Bill, Lara, and Elissa have been most supportive: through honesty, patience, and love. Lots and lots of love. With every fiber of my being, I thank God for my family.
About a decade ago a group of my friends were talking, and we were asking one another the question: “If you were to anticipate your life 5 or 10 years from now, what do you want it to look like?” My answer then is the same as it would be now: “I would like to be doing exactly what I am doing now.” In other words, parish ministry.
So as I mark this stage of the journey, I say with gratitude to God the words of Dag Hammarskjold,
“For all that has been, thanks! For all that will be, yes!”
Shawn Callender Hogan
Pastor
First Sunday of Each Month we celebrate The Lord’s Supper at the 10 am worship service . On these Sundays a communion offering envelope is available for those who wish to support the pastor’s discretionary fund, used for local circumstances of need.
Please sign up to help with many of the Sunday Morning Ministry opportunities like:
Children’s Church
Nursery Assistants
Coffee Hour
Greeters
Ushers
Flowers
The information is all located on the bulletin board in the Friendship Hall.
Please consider giving some of your time to these important ministries!
Scripture Readers
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to share in a worship service, here are some thoughts expressed by folks who have served.
“I always use the pew Bible so people can follow along and I like sharing God’s story with people and hearing a version different from my home Bible.”
“I consider it an honor and a privilege to share God’s written word, with all those in Sunday service.” “It can be very frightening reading in front of so many people but once it’s over I feel very rewarded to have been a part of the service.”
If you would like to participate in a service as a scripture reader or if you have questions about serving, please contact the church office at (908) 534-2064.
Finance Report
The Finance Committee met May 15, 2007 to review the budget as of that date the Finance Committee is pleased to report to the Church that thanks to our collective faith filled commitment, all our bills are paid. The Finance Committee wants to conserve funds so that an extra payment of the mortgage can occur each year. In addition, our corporate commitment to the greater Church through our shared apportionments is current and will be paid 100% this year, as has been our history. As we approach the summer season, the Finance Committee wants to remind everyone to please keep current with your pledge as our bills for fuel, lights, and staff continue through the summer. We thank you one and all for your ongoing commitment. Our next meeting is Monday, July 16th at 7 p.m.